DISQUS

Dear Michel,

As I said in my previous comment (yesterday) I think your post was very clear and "right on the money". It's a sign of what is happening in our society-at-large that so many nay-sayers commented and/or misunderstood your point..

I always enjoy a freebie when it is valuable, and graciously offered, but that does not mean I EXPECT handouts. Believe me, there is an entire list of people that I could target for "extortion" if I didn't have standards (thankfully, drilled into my head and heart as a child).

I am determined to build a team and learn from successful people, but I don't expect them to DO EVERYTHING FOR ME, just because I'm such a nice person, or could spiel out a sob story or two.

You are right on the money! Don't lose any sleep over the folks who disagree with you. Any time you stick your neck out, (especially standing up for decency) there will be people who disagree.

Wouldn't the world be a boring place if everyone thought exactly the same way? And, more importantly, how can true friends ever find each other if we don't share our real feelings? Like attracts like!

Get some rest, and BTW, nice hair!

Your friend,
Brennan

Yes, Michel,

It's a sad day when people no longer feel inappropriate behavior is wrong.

We are working to straighten-out public schools and there are so many unbelievable behaviors that are being accepted as the "norm" that the task is daunting. It's NOT just education that is going "down the tubes", it's morals, and mores, and standards, and everything else.

One of the biggest problems is that people are so apathetic about standards, or they actually think this downward spiral is inevitable.

Please wish us luck!

Fantastic video, as always!

I remember when Rusty started his blog (back in the days of ASC). Obviously, he has been doing things correctly, unlike 'some of us'.

I wasn't able to completely eliminate the sidebars from my blog but, thanks to your advice, I was able to turn down the noise and streamline the distractions.

Well, I'm back to building traffic and I'll let ya' know how it works.

Thanks a lot,
Brennan

<abbr></abbr><abbr>BrennanKingslands last blog post..Coast to Coast Education Problems</abbr>

Ning is great!

I have http://www.educationwatchdog.ning.com as my main site and I've already found http://images4education.ning.com/profile/Brenna... as a related group.

Thanks for the heads up!

Thank you! I really did need a break!

Imagine, it only costs $15 to guarantee "not plummeting to a fiery death" on American Airlines.

This is so SICKO! Poor, Mexico!

Hee! Hee!
Brennan the Post Grape Nuts cruncher

<abbr>Brennan Kingslands last blog post..How to Get Rid of a Troublesome Teen</abbr>

Interesting article! However, especially after reading some of the comments, I am more convinced than ever that "ATTITUDE" makes the difference - no matter what environs you live in, or pass through.

I personally believe that the concept of "total control of one's life" is a complete illusion. There is no "total control", no matter how much we may delude ourselves otherwise.

Children playing on a lawn, or pets relieving themselves on your property, only become big issues if you choose to focus on them.

Nowadays, life in the suburbs is only marginally safer than living in an urban area. Criminals have vehicles and often choose to go where the pickings are easy - e.g. the suburbs and quiet neighborhoods. And traffic (crazy drivers) are everywhere.

I'm not trying to be an alarmist, but I wouldn't rely too heavily on safety in the suburbs for your daughter. Too many tragic news reports have revealed only constant vigilance is acceptable protection.

From my own personal experience, I can tell you that home invasions occur in "safe" environs, even security-protected areas. And, no matter where you live, illness and accident can occur. It takes a real man to muscle-through a heart attack and rebuild his life.

Just so you know I am not a doomsday proponent, let me assure you that I've weathered several criminal attempts on my life. (I'm a nurse, NOT in law enforcement.) My husband has endured 5 heart attacks and open-heart surgery and we've come through fighting. I have Multiple Sclerosis, in remission, and we enjoy every moment of life we can share together.

My words of advice are not to delude yourself that ANYWHERE is totally safe (or emasculating). Life is designed to be exciting and dangerous and thrilling. Control is an illusion. Enjoy the ride!

Jack,

I am so excited about Trackboost. I tried to follow your instructions for trackbacks a few months ago and flubbed miserably.

Trackboost sounds like it could even work for me!

Thanks!
Brennan

Brennan Kingsland's last blog post..Autism & Big Brother Winnings?

My natural method of operation is binge productivity, work on what feels right at the time. Unfortunately, I'm not productive in the long run. I tend to spend too much time on projects I like and not enough on the tasks I'm not as comfortable with.
The only thing that works for me is a list. And on that list I put the disagreeable tasks into small time slots, so they don't seem overwhelming. I've learned that the only way (for me) to break down those "big rocks" is to FORCE MYSELF to spend a manageable amount of time breaking them up, on a daily basis. Otherwise, I'd spend all my time playing with hex codes and graphic images.
I admit it, I need structure and a plan.

I'm just getting started on this.

Here's mine:

Username: tuxedogram

Please add this one to your favs:

http://setourteachersfree.com

Brennan Kingsland's last blog post..25th Education Report Anniversary?

Thanks for the nudge, Jack. I was lucky to get on John's list early because I've been a subscriber ever since I've been on the internet. I've been on Facebook since last August but I haven't done much with it, other than meet some nice people. (Not such a terrible thing!)

If you say it's gonna be important, and John says it's gonna be important, then I better get busy studying how to Facebook correctly!

Have a great weekend!
Brennan

Brennan Kingsland's last blog post..Ponder Our Miniature Earth!

Dear Glen,

I too noticed that with the cooler weather I was getting lots more done. I simply attributed it to that fact that sweltering in hot weather slows me down.
(That's NOT a good excuse with air conditioning available!)

In fact, after reading your post, I realize that it is the excitement of focusing on the end result that is more effective for me, instead of the methodical and never-ending PLANNING I wasted so much time on.

Eben Pagan/David DeAngelo of "Altitude Training" says the secret to success is "speed of implementation". That's my new buzzword.

Brennan
http://setourteachersfree.com

While you are planning for all the happy trimmings, let me suggest something simple you can do that will make a big difference in the lives of those unfortunate homeless babies in your local animal shelter. It doesn’t take any money to gather up old blankets and take them to your local shelter. Many times, those homeless ones have to lie on cold concrete floors until they are adopted, if they’re lucky, or put to sleep. A warm blanket can make a big difference.

When you drop-off those blankets, perhaps you can include a few chew toys, or other toys for the bunches of puppies that are always crowded into shelters everywhere. New blankets, old blankets, clean toys (new or old), chew toys and treats can be gifts from the heart.

And if you happen to have a family pow wow and have thoroughly discussed and agreed upon care and feeding of a new pet, you can give the very best gift of all to a homeless pet by adopting them into your home.

A word of caution: it is not wise to adopt or purchase a pet for someone else. In a previous post, I discussed the unhappy endings of most of those ‘living gifts’.

But you can make a difference if you take a few moments during this busy season to help the less fortunate furbabies, in whatever way you choose.

Brennan
http://rescue4furbabies.com

I just have to mention that No Child Left Behind is NOT community-based. The problem starts at the top.

And the only way we will eliminate an elitist educational system is to demand change.

Teachers have been taking the blame for school failures for too long. But, to say that national change will only occur community-by-community is not only unrealistic, it is a sure-fire recipe for disaster.

If I live in an exclusive area (which I have) and attend an expensive private school (which I did) that MAY allow me to be well-educated (or have access to better drugs) but it does NOT stop the uneducated, violent and angry drop-out from across the city or country from entering my safe little haven and violating my "serene existence".

One way or another, we will pay if we do not improve education nationally. Either we will be forced to build more jails, more security systems and higher walls, or we will forfeit our actual lives.

The time is coming when the 'have nots' will range farther and farther afield to scavenge or take by force from the 'haves'.

I'm old enough to have seen the spread of crime from major urban areas into bedroom communities, then into tiny rural areas. There are no more 'safe enclaves', and we can blame the growth of ignorance.

I want to make it clear that I am not saying that we are not producing "A" students. The problem is the level of academics required to obtain an "A" and that it is inadequate.

There is abundant evidence that our top students are not being sufficiently prepared to compete in a global environment. I have numerous articles and studies I could refer to, but I will simply include a link to two. Both of these articles, and the numerous studies done, show that we are shortchanging our very best students.

Two things that are even more sad, are:

1) That we delude ourselves that some schools are actually GOOD. (Thus the proponents of vouchers say to move a few children around.)

2) Even worse than the fact that we are giving our best students inadequate preparation for life - we are also LOSING 28% to 50% to 75% (depending on the area) of our students as drop-outs.

It is time for a COMPLETE REFORM of our education programs in USA public schools.

It can be done! Read "Set Our Teachers FREE! A Plan to Save Public Education" by Don Kingsland, or learn about The Kingsland Plan which is spelled out in the book.

Don't take my word for what I have claimed. Please read the two articles mentioned here. And remember, these are just two of the hundreds.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/di...

Yes! It's true! USA schools were ranked 24th around the globe, when we sent our best and brightest. The only countries that ranked lower were Cypress and South Africa. This year, the USA is not even competing! Hmmmm!

Check out our blog: http:setourteachersfree.com

or our website:
http://www.thekingslandplan.com

This issue is CRITICAL to the future of our country.

Brennan

Our schools are ranked 24th among developed countries (and we sent our BEST students to compete). Our schools are the laughingstock of the globe. Our graduation rates average 25-50% in larger cities. And of that one-in-two graduation rate, many of those graduates cannot read adequately or perform basic math functions. Graduation rates of 70% are considered ACCEPTABLE across the country, and those figures are inflated!

It's time for a complete reform of our public educational system. Education deficits are now becoming a matter of national security. The situation is desperate!

To view a video about the problems and the solution, go to:
www.teachertube.com and search for Set Our Teachers FREE! Says it all!

Brennan
http://setourteachersfree.com

As a relative "newbie", I selected a niche site involving education reform. My market is very limited; only every caring parent, teacher and taxpayer in the United States. So there's no point in my trying to approach a great big global community. Boo Hoo!

Even with my limited target market (you'll note some sarcasm there), ROI is very difficult. So, I thought I would listen to the recommendations of those "lousy gurus" who tell newbies to focus on tiny niche markets. Following their plan, I made immediate sales in what will NOT be a long term market, but at least I got to see some desperately-needed green stuff.

Now I'm not giving up on my initial marketplace, but I have learned that I'm in for the "long haul" there.

Perhaps the mass market needs are more lucrative in the long run, but I'm grateful for a fast way to make money in small niche markets while I learn to be the next Bill Gates or Warren Buffet.

MOST CERTAINLY NOT! While I may not agree with the group's premise or statements, I found nothing in it that was threatening or that incited violence.

This is what "Free Speech" is about!

This is what "User-centric-commentary" is about;like-minded people coming together to confer on their opinions.

If any group wishes to withdraw in protest, whether they are 58,000-strong or 580,000-strong, they are free to do so. That is what capitalism is all about.

Facebook will lose FAR MORE users if they cave-in to this pressure.

I was one of the lucky ones who found this site and signed-up at the beginning.

I am SO impressed with the caliber of bloggers on this site and the great info they share.

Between ASC & Authority Blogger Forum I should be able to do this, and do it well!

When? When? When? C'mon Jack & Howie, tell us!

Dear Jack,

Thanks for helping me know I'm on the right track. I may not be monetized, and I may not have a lot of traffic (yet!) but I'm improving day-by-day. I may not be there but I'm headed that way!

Thank you! I needed this today! Looks like Rick has had three to four decades of bad hair days. What a good sport!

Dear Jack,

I want you to know how much you and ASC are appreciated by this "semi-newbie". Like some of the previous posts mentioned, I too spents LOTS of money with the alleged "Gurus" for programs and unneeded software - and I have the disgruntled husband to prove it.

I am so grateful that I got your newsletter and learned about the ASC opportunity (and it IS an opportunity)!
Thank you!

Now, to the nitty-gritty!

1)I was able to unsubscribe from all the newsletters and emails that were cluttering-up my mailbox.

2) Since joining on May 17th, I have had wonderful people answering my questions and helping me put together a site I am PROUD to show to the world. (Even my relatives are impressed! Thank you again.)

3) I don't waste money just lining Gurus JV pockets anymore - and I don't miss it one bit!

4) Every mistake or goof that I've made, your WONDERFUL support and technical staff have helped me straighten-out the mess, all the while teaching me advanced techniques for avoiding mistakes in the future. That is PRICELESS! (but please don't raise my rates heh!heh!)

5) The training on the site and the peer support in the forums is top notch. Wish I was fast enough to absorb it ALL - IMMEDIATELY!

I truly believe that "Authority" sites are the future of the internet (except for those little one page sales pages that will probably always be with us -- just like infomercials, or hangnails).

I am proud to be associated with ASC, and proud to answer, when I'm asked what I do, "I maintain an internet Authority Site to Straighten-Out Public Education NOW!" I know with a certainty that if I follow the advice and guidance I'm being given by ASC, my site will become the go-to place on the internet for my chosen niche.

Again I say,
Thank you!
Brennan Kingsland
http://setourteachersfree.com